Things that turn novel writers OFF...

Being invited out for the day and going, then coming back home to your WIP and discovering you've lost the thread of the story, and having to read over the last few pages.

People who call/knock on door because they don't think writing is a "real job".

Non responding agents

Do they really like me?

No receiving a response by e-mail, wondering if the editor didn't get it, accidentally deleted it, or is just through with you.

When you tell someone you're writing/have written a book and they say "Oh I'm going to do that when I have some time" or "I've always wanted to do that." or "I keep meaning to write a book. My life would make a good story."

aadams73 said:

When you tell someone you're writing/have written a book and they say "Oh I'm going to do that when I have some time" or "I've always wanted to do that." or "I keep meaning to write a book. My life would make a good story."

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I run into this to and it really annoys me. Someone who is a writer does not write when they have time, they make time to write. It's kind of like that quote from " Throw Mama From A train" ' A writer writes, always!"

Grrr. Midday obligations when I was on a roll. Hrmph!

Turn offs

Rejections, of course. Cheap pens. People who don't read and seem proud of it. Readheads with high moral standards.

So where's the thread about what turns them on? I just might meet a hottie novelist and need that info! Inquiring minds and all that...

Further to the proud illiterates, James: people who read crap and think from that, that writing a book is easy. Cousins to the 'One Day' Novelists...Gah!

Having to actually work at my "real" job and not getting the time to write...how dare people have emergencies at 4 a.m., that's MY time!

When my favorite pen runs out of ink and I'm out of refills.

Jamesaritchie said:

Readheads with high moral standards.

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Just curious...what does that mean?

Celia Cyanide said:

Just curious...what does that mean?

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I think he meant redheads. Read the "What turns novel writers on" thread for context.

What turns me off: telemarketers

People assuming my fantasy novel is for children or is a HP spin-off.
Hearing that writing fantasy/SF isn't 'real' writing.
People asking me when I'm going to retire in my new mansion. (That gets old really fast.)
Finding a lump on my dog's face and having the vet tell me it's probably cancer.
Having the phone ring while I'm writing, and when I ignore it, hearing someone leave a message and then having to get up and erase it because the answering machine beeps every 10 seconds to tell me I have a freaking message.

Ex-boyfriends who dump you and then still call to ask when your books coming out, because even though they don't want you as a girlfriend, they still want to live off your impending success and fame, and have told everyone in their office that they know an author, having missed out the "I won't effing well leave her alone!" part.

aadams73 said:

When you tell someone you're writing/have written a book and they say "Oh I'm going to do that when I have some time" or "I've always wanted to do that." or "I keep meaning to write a book. My life would make a good story."

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Or worse still, "You're a writer? Wow. I've got this idea for a novel..." Then s/he goes into an hour long presentation, ending with, "You could you write it for me!"

Ol' Fashioned Girl said:

Or worse still, "You're a writer? Wow. I've got this idea for a novel..." Then s/he goes into an hour long presentation, ending with, "You could you write it for me!"

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And we could split the profits! That way YOU do all the work and I get half the money!

aadams73 said:

When you tell someone you're writing/have written a book and they say "Oh I'm going to do that when I have some time" or "I've always wanted to do that." or "I keep meaning to write a book. My life would make a good story."

Click to expand...

Bingo. This turns me off.

Telling someone that you're a writer and having them reply, "Yeah, I wanted to be a writer when I was younger, but then I grew up and got a real job."
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Telling someone that you're a writer and having them reply, "What do you write?"
"Fantasy."
"Ohhhhhh....so, like elves and fairies and such...?"

Or...

"So you think you're gonna be the next JK Rowling?"

Or...

"I don't like those kinds of books - I think they're kinda stupid and a waste of time."

Or even sometimes...

"Like adult sex books?"
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Relatives: How's the book coming along?
Me: I finished it and I'm working on the next one.
Relatives: So, when's it going to be published?
Me: I've submitted it to a few places so far, but it's been rejected...
Relatives (with that "look" - I'm sure you know which one I mean - the you-really-aren't-going-to-amount-to-much-are-you look) Hmmmmm....

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Take it easy all - and keep writing

People who ask, "So, when are you going to write The Great American Novel?" If I have to answer at all, I usually say, "I already have. It'll be recognized any day now."

When the newspaper lavishes publicity on a local "author" who has just published a book that was started six months ago. I check on it and, sure enough - vanity press.

AncientEagle said:

When the newspaper lavishes publicity on a local "author" who has just published a book that was started six months ago. I check on it and, sure enough - vanity press.

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Yup, that's one of things that bothers me a lot.

No Staples catalogues anywhere in the house.

when some reads your work and says..."oh you should have a bear kill the family instead of a blizzard. or add [suggestion here] and your book/story will be much better. After reading the first three pages.